Alterations of selected serum biochemical and urinary parameters in dogs with chronic enteropathy

Background: No specific study on concurrent nephropathy has been conducted in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE), except for soft coated wheaten terriers. Moreover, limited information exists regarding urinary profile in dogs with CE. Aim: To describe, compare, and discuss the alterations in selected serum biochemical and urinary parameters in dogs with CE. Methods: Multicentric retrospective study on dogs with CE diagnosed after exclusion of extra-gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, dogs with azotemia and lower urinary tract diseases were excluded. Information on Canine Chronic Enteropathy Activity Index Score (CCECAI), muscular condition score (MCS), presence of glycosuria, proteinuria [urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) ratio>0.5], and/or cylindruria (>1-2 casts/hpf) at diagnosis were gleaned from the medical records. Dogs were retrospectively classified as food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE) or non-responsive enteropathy (NRE) based on the presence of gastrointestinal histological inflammation and the treatment response. In addition, based on serum albumin concentration, dogs were classified as having protein-losing enteropathy. Results: Ninety CE dogs were included. Fifty-two dogs had mildly-to-severely decreased MCS and 38 dogs showed altered urinary parameters. No significant associations were found between CCECAI and altered urinary parameters. No significant association was found between PLE dogs and altered urinary parameters. PLE dogs showed higher prevalence of proteinuria than non-PLE dogs (p=0.03 OR 2.8 95%CI 1-6.8). Conclusion: Despite the presence of altered urinary profile in dogs with CE, further studies are needed to explore a possible link between gastrointestinal and renal inflammation.